Grinding sound that lasts for .1 sec after starting....

[peter.sellers]

So for the last few days, I am hearing this grinding sound immediately after starting. The car starts up fine though. The sound seems to come from the engine. I checked the oil and it is a little dark but the level is slightly over max. Also seems like the oil has thinned.

If the car is warm and is started, the sound doesn't show. It definitely shows up if the car is cool or has not been run for over 5hrs. What gives???

Btw I used PP 5W30 about 2500 miles back.....

Anyway I am thinking of taking it to Rick Case Mazda is GA.....Anyone worked with them before? Are they a decent dealership?

Thanks

[Sport6]

Its probably your starter gear not retracting all the way and grinding on the flywheel... Probably time to get the starter looked and probably replaced

[Bravnik]

If it only happens at startup then immediately goes away then 90% sure its the VVT that the TSB covers.

[turbos3]

sounds to me likes its a dry start. the oil is not throughout the motor when started. once started it quickly fills the entire motor making the sound go away. They sell some additives for dry starts, it just keeps everything coated in between cold starts. just my .02

[peter.sellers]

If it only happens at startup then immediately goes away then 90% sure its the VVT that the TSB covers.

Bravnik: Thanks for the info and you might be right. I was looking in another forum and found a note on the same problem. Anyhow I have a print of the TSB. Will take it in and see what happens.

On a side note did you guys know that since May 1 09, Mazda no longer provides a loaner if the problem in not considered to be 'major'! This is what my dealer told me anyway.

[Zimmer]

If it only happens at startup then immediately goes away then 90% sure its the VVT that the TSB covers.

I keep hearing about this TSB I'd like to look at it and bring to dealer. Usually gets some action out of them. I get this problem at start up more noticeable during cold days.

EDIT: Peter can you send me a copy?

[peter.sellers]

I keep hearing about this TSB I'd like to look at it and bring to dealer. Usually gets some action out of them. I get this problem at start up more noticeable during cold days.

EDIT: Peter can you send me a copy?

Zimmer I tried sending you an email but your profile options don't allow that. Anyway here is the pdf link

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/cx7/bulletin/01-002-08-1896.pdf

[Zimmer]

Hrmm I'll have to fix that. Thanks for the link!

Ah ... crap. If I have the dealer do this will I have supply all the Synthetic oil???

[Sport6]

Hrmm I'll have to fix that. Thanks for the link!

Ah ... crap. If I have the dealer do this will I have supply all the Synthetic oil???

Just let them do the changes and change it back out with synthetic when you get it back. 60 dollars of synthetic just for a flush like that isn't necessary.

[meicalnissyen]

Just let them do the changes and change it back out with synthetic when you get it back. 60 dollars of synthetic just for a flush like that isn't necessary.

will this be covered under the 5/50000 warranty?

I am past the 36K mark

changing the oil twice in case some sealant fell down the cam chain tunnel.........?

Nice

[Sport6]

Yeah it should be covered under the powertrain warranty.